J. Mifflin reports on the Gulf Islands

Been out all summer concentrating on the SanJuans and Gulf Islands, and offer the following for your consideration:

1) Ladysmith Maritime docks continue their almost constant improvement, planning on floating washrooms IN the Marina this winter… the Town installed the new sewer line and pumping station this summer… and shows the local committment to welcome boaters. Across the way at Page Point marina, they seem totally committed to the condo development and have abandoned the effort to offer fuel again.

2) In Victoria, the big news, to us, is that the Harbour Authority will now accept reservations for ANY size boat… at a charge of $16.23…, so one can now make the big committment knowing they will get the Empress Docks and not be sidetracked to the others.

We also enjoy a “dingy put up the Inlet” to the reversing rapids under the highway bridge, stopping, for lunch, at the Glo Europub, 250.385.5643, about 1/2 way up, on starboard, and very apparent with its outdoor seating in a glass walled area partially shaded by a HUGE weeping willow tree, with an adjacent public dock for dingy access. Great menu at reasonable prices, and a perfect excuse for a dingy ride.

Sam’s Deli, second business on right, on Government Street, with its outside seating, has new ownership, who have returned the old format, and prices … including GREAT shrimp sandwiches, homemade soups and bakery specialities, etc.

Blakely Marina, now leased and managed by Terry and Diana O’Hara, features full breakfasts, lunches with specialities such as homemade clam chowder, BIG ice cream cones and dinners on Friday and Saturday nights. They plan to be open early Spring to late Fall, and want to bring back the several fishing derbys of the past. For your personal news, past managers, Ric and Norma, then caretakers for the Crowley complex on the South end of the Island, have moved to “the mainland, precise point unknown,” as health problems force them closer to medical assistance.

Trust this finds your families well … looking forward to the “New Edition” and its debut at the Seattle Boat Show.,